This week the State Board of Education will continue considerations to changes with the curriculum in public school classrooms. The discussion centers on social studies.
The focus lies among historical figures and religious holidays.
Board member Mary Helen Berlanga wants to see more Hispanic historical figures in the Texas school curriculum.
“We learned more about the Spanish explorers when I was going to school than what appears now under the required list. It's amazing. Instead of going forward it looks like we're going backward,” said Berlanga.
Numerous Hispanic leaders are currently recommended for classroom lessons, but very few are required.
Berlanga and her fellow board members will listen to public opinion this week. They will take a first reading on the suggested in January.
“Today is just a discussion. You might think well, it's just a discussion item; it's not that important because it's not up for a vote. Well, this is when you make the difference -- when you start discussing something before it's up for a first reading. This is when you want to make the changes,” said Berlanga.
Along with changes to lessons regarding historical figures, the board is also considering changing what religious holidays are taught.
It's possible, based on current recommendations, that the Christian holiday of Christmas will be eliminated from state curriculum. Instead, the board is considering replacing the study of Christmas with the study of the Hindu holiday, Diwali.
A final vote is expected in March. Any changes adopted by the board will last for the next 10 years.
